Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba, said on Monday that the recommendation on the table was that the population and housing census should now hold in May, this year.
Agba said that the last census conducted in Nigeria was in 2006, pointing out that the previous administration had proposed another census for 2016, but it could not accomplish it due to its exit in 2015.
He said the present administration could not get down to do it because in 2015-2016, the country slipped into a recession due to a crash in oil price and production.
He stated that in 2018/2019, the government recommended to the conduct of the Census, but the COVID-19 pandemic set in disrupting plans for the exercise on 2020.
Agba who made a presentation at the high-level partners’ engagement on the 2023 population and housing census, further stated that the census was rescheduled for March 2023, adding that “but now recommended to hold in May 2023.”
He said the recomended shift was to enable the ministry to train more personnel and procure digital equipment required for the census.

The proposal for a shift is expected to be presented to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Executive Council soonest for necessary approval.
The National Population Commission (NPC) had earlier announced that the exercise would be carried out this month.
Agba, however, gave assurances that the census would be digitally conducted, green, transformative, and meet international standards.
The minister explained that a total of N889 billion would be required to conduct the census.
According to him, so far, the government had committed N291.5 billion to the census, which translated to 46 per cent of total funding.
Agba said that there would be training of 885,000 persons for building numbering and household listing of all buildings in the country for seven days at an average of N12,410 per person per day.
The minister however said that a basket fund to be managed by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) would be established for redemption of pledges.
The Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr Tony Elumelu, expressed the commitment of the foundation to the success of the exercise.
Elumelu emphasised the imperatives of census, which, according to him, was critical for national planning.
He said that the census was very important for Nigeria’s economic development and called for accurate and accessible data.
The Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aminu Dangote, pledged commitment to the exercise.
Dangote, represented by Mr Moshood Mohammed, said that comprehensive and accurate population data were important for national development.
The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Mathias Schmale, described census as a capital intensive project and called for mobilisation of fund for its success.
Schmale restated the commitment of the UN to continue to support Nigeria especially in making the 2023 census a success.
Ms Ulla Mueller, Country Representative, UN Population Fund (UNFPA) assured of continuous support and advice.
Mueller also identified population management through making right choices as key to national development.
She expressed the need for inclusivity in the census by giving women prior attention.
The Executive Chairman of National Population Commission (NPC), Alhaji Nasir Kwarra, commended the partners, especially the UNFPA for their commitment to the success of the exercise.
Kwarra expressed the determination of the commission to deliver a credible and digital census that would ensure accurate data for national development.
The executive chairman assured of prudent and judicious use of the money to be raised for the census.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the high level partners engagement is aimed at interfacing with partners and geared towards mobilising funds for a credible Census. (NAN)
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